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APME wants to showcase the outstanding work of smaller news organizations through its Community Journalism Public Service Initiative.

Media companies in metropolitan areas (MSA) of 100,000 or fewer people are encouraged to apply for the grant, offered for the third year. The recipient will receive $1,000 to jump-start the initiative and a trip to the annual APME conference to present the project.

It's easy to enter: Draft a proposal of 500 words or less and include examples of how you would approach the project. It should be multiplatform, include social media and address a long-standing community issue.

Last year’s winner was The Sedalia Democrat in Missouri for its “Meth at the Crossroads” series. City Reporter Emily Jarrett presented the newspaper’s work at the APME national conference in Indianapolis in October. The first winner was the Beaver Dam News of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, for its series on mental illness in its community.

The 2014 winner will present its work at the joint ASNE-APME Conference Sept. 15-17 in Chicago.

Special offer: Join APME at our $150 rate in May and June and add another editor or broadcast news leader free. The 2-for-1 offer is a limited-time special good until June 30.This is a great time to join APME.The Associated Press Media Editors remains the practical voice for news leaders. For the $150 cost of membership, you'll receive a substantial discount for the first joint conference with the American Society of News Editors and the Associated Press Photo Managers Sept. 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. Sign up now at: www.apme.com

SEEKING DONATIONS FOR CONFERENCE AUCTION

APME and ASNE are joining forces for a live and silent auction to benefit both organizations during their joint conference Sept. 15-17 in Chicago.An annual conference auction is a staple for APME and benefits the APME Foundation, which helps fund NewsTrain and other programs. ASNE will share the stage for perhaps the biggest auction to fund journalism initiatives in recent years.The live auction – featuring vacation getaways and more – will be held during the opening night reception at the Tribune Tower. A small silent auction also will take place that night.A larger silent auction – featuring donated books, regional gifts, jewelry, sports and event tickets and more – will be held during the conference at the Hyatt Regency, the conference headquarters.How can you help now? We're looking for donations that will stand out. To donate, download the pledge form.Bob Heisse of the APME Foundation and George Stanley of ASNE are coordinating the auction. You can contact either of them at bob.heisse@sj-r.com or gstanley@jm.com.You also can contact Sally Jacobsen of APME at sjacobsen@AP.org and Arnie Robbins of ASNE at arobbins@asne.org.